adminEddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
GOOD times should be in store for CAPS United and today the Harare giants will unveil their new sponsorship deal with a South Africa-based mobile technology developer.
Makepekepe are looking to get relief from their financial worries with their new partnership with Blazing Chilli who will be coming through their Zing mobile application product.
The Zing mobile messenger has a strong presence in over 15 African countries and could be eyeing to make inroads into the Zimbabwean market.
CAPS United public relations manager, Joyce Kapota, yesterday said although they were looking to get more partners on board this year, Zing will be the principal sponsors of the club.
Makepekepe will this year use branded shirts powered by Zing.
“I am happy to say Zing will be the main sponsor of CAPS United this season. They will be making their presentation tomorrow (today) and that is when all the details of this deal will be revealed,” said Kapota.
The unveiling of the sponsorship will wrap up a good week for Makepekepe who also welcomed their new coach Mark Harrison from South Africa.
The nomadic coach missed the first month of the pre-season training because of delays in getting his work permit and sorting out the logistics to relocate with his family.
They also concluded the signing of Rodreck Mutuma from rivals Dynamos as one of the major signings they have made during the pre-season.
The club’s chief executive Joe Makuvire revealed they went out of their way to get the signature of the striker as a replacement for Dominic Chungwa who moved the opposite direction.
Club president, Twine Phiri and his co-owner, Farai Jere, have also thrashed out a new shareholding deal which gives the later a bigger stake in the team.
Makepekepe and DeMbare will meet in a pre-season cup at Rufaro on Sunday.
The Sino-Zim Cement Cup has been arranged by the Chinese Federation of Zimbabwe to celebrate 35 years of bilateral relations between China and Zimbabwe.
Winners are set to walk away with a US$15 000 cheque and US$10 000 has been set aside for the losing team. Dynamos coach David Mandigora believes the clash will be an important indicator of the progress they have done in the last five weeks.
This will be the first time both teams will play in front of their supporters as they seek to intensify preparations for the new season.
While Makepekepe have only played two preparatory games, following a slow start to their preparations, their rivals have held a couple of closed door practice matches but against lowly clubs such as Mushowani Stars, Ngezi, ZRP FC, Gunners and DStv Rangers.
Mandigora yesterday said they will take the game seriously as they want to shake off the off-season rust.
“It will be our first game in front of our supporters so I think it’s a big challenge. To me there is no game that is less important than the other.
“We take all games seriously and although this one is more of a preparatory match, we are taking it seriously.
“The fans should come as usual and support us. They always help us carry the day and it’s important to note that they are important to us starting from now up to the end of the season.
“We haven’t reached the levels that we want as a team but we are slowly getting there. Their support will help the players get the confidence they need ahead of the new season,” said Mandigora.
The organisers have pegged the gate charges at $2 for the cheapest ticket.
Mandigora said he was encouraged by the response he has been getting from his players although match fitness was still an issue.
Former CAPS United and Motor Action midfielder Conrad Whitby yesterday trained with the club but DeMbare officials said they are not likely to engage him.
Online Reporter